Congressional candidate Colleen Hanabusa opened her campaign headquarters this week surrounded by supporters, including key Democratic leaders in the state.

Colleen, currently serving as the first woman president of Hawaii's state Senate, was joined at the event by the state's two sitting U.S. senators, Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel Akaka, at the event.

Noting her integrity and intelligence, Inouye threw his support behind Colleen, saying, "The next member of House of Representatives will be Colleen Hanabusa."

We're thrilled to see Colleen racking up endorsements and working hard to reach voters in this special election, but we know she has her work cut out for her. A recent announcement that the sitting congressman, Cong. Neil Abercrombie, will retire Feb. 28 to run for governor kicked this race into high gear. And, in the winner-take-all special election, Colleen will be on the ballot with the GOP's candidate and another Democrat, former Cong. Ed Case, who voted for the Patriot Act, extension of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, and the Iraq War while he was in Congress. A split of Democratic votes could benefit Republicans, so Colleen must set herself apart early in the race. It's been reported that the election could take place as early as May 1.

We'll be with Colleen all the way, making sure this Democratic-leaning district is filled with a powerful progressive voice.

When EMILY's List candidate Colleen Hanabusa entered the race for the open seat in HI-01, she was ready to hit the ground running -- and good thing, too.

Outgoing Cong. Neil Abercrombie recently announced he'll resign his seat Feb. 28, setting off a special election that could be held this spring.

Because of Hawaii's special election rules, there will be one winner-take-all ballot to fill the seat, and with two Democrats on the ticket, Colleen is counting on support from EMILY's List members to break away from the group and prevent a split of Democratic votes from putting this seat in GOP hands.

The other Democrat on the ballot is a former congressman who supported the Patriot Act, extending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, and the Iraq War while he was in office. And while this district tilts Democratic, Colleen will have her work cut out for her to win this seat for progressives.

Click here to help Colleen raise the funds she'll need to win this seat!

Aloha, Colleen Hanabusa!

EMILY's List is excited to announce our endorsement of state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa in Hawaii's first congressional district. Colleen is the true progressive in this race, and we're thrilled to get behind her bid.

Here are some words President Ellen R. Malcolm's statement yesterday:

"Colleen Hanabusa is a strong and dynamic leader in the Hawaii state legislature and a great choice to fill the seat of Congressman Neil Abercrombie," said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY's List. "Her dedication to public service and experience as a labor attorney, community organizer, and legislative leader is second to none. In office, Colleen has not hesitated to take strong stands to protect the rights of women, children, and working families. EMILY's List is proud to support Colleen Hanabusa in her campaign for U.S. Congress."

There's a new face in the race for Hawaii's 1st congressional district. State Senator Colleen Hanabusa announced her candidacy in a news conference this morning.

Hanabusa has served as Senate president for six of her ten years in the Legislature, the first woman to lead either legislative House in Hawaii. According to the Honolulu Advertiser, during her tenure she has "built a reputation as a progressive Democrat with a talent for building consensus."

Democrat and former Congressman Ed Case announced his candidacy in March 2009. Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou, who has been named to the NRCC's Young Guns program, is running on the Republican side. The seat is up for grabs -- Neil Abercrombie, who has represented the 1st district since 1991, is leaving Congress to run for governor. Stay tuned for more as the race heats up!